Sultan of Delhi (2023) User Reviews

Strong potential and plot, weak execution

[abhinavgupta-66272 · 7/10 · 13 October 2023]

The screenplay adapted from the book of the same name while starting of strong, lacked plot and emotional depth The characters are well defined and have acted well. The dialogues had their moments. But there were many places where the character decisions didn't make much sense and that made me loose touch with the story.

The protagonist is shown as a very brave and confident fellow. In one scene he braves going to the fifth round in russian roullette which tended more towards stupidity than bravery, just like many of his other actions.

Overall a good watch which could have been dont much better.

It has both sides.. Good and waste time!

[hrishikeshwalhekar · 7/10 · 14 January 2024]

Characters casting was accurately plotting the story. The Main role about Tahir (Arjun Bhatia) was good enough till the last 5mins remaining of last episode, the character plays the vital role which can be seen previously while Arjun and Bengali's first meet with MouniRoy! They showed the results at last.

But the conclusion was not up to the mark which should be there, it just got more like waste time when a Bengeli ki killed by Arjun.. It's was quite good till they had challenges in between expanding there emperor..

The Sidhoori character was nicely played, tactics was good, even the riddles are nice in between the episodes!

It should have better ending as it was aspects to end.

Ironical title it should be cheapster of Delhi

[sajjadesic · 5/10 · 14 October 2023]

Fantastic direction of the movie. The pace is quite good. Acting is highly appreciable. This series albeit being close to be one big hit fails to meet the expectations. It successfully portrays the contemporary society of 21st century. Amidst fire works, the chemistry of bangali and arjun should have been celebrated. The catharsis destroys the human conscience. Arjun becomes sultan and then stoops down to be very cheap. High on dialogues but low on action. Arjun's character remained beautiful until he is supported by Bangali. Some dark truths bring dismay, mistrust and hopelessness. Sultan rises to stoop down is unacceptable. Overall stands superfluous, unrealistic. The end is disappointing offcourse and would not recommend this only because of the failure to send a good message to society.

Outdated screenplay full of potholes. Extremely poor direction. Bad casting

[rahuldeorahsgc · 1/10 · 15 October 2023]

1. Terrible screenplay

• the story jumps randomly from one sub plot to another, from one timeline to another. Felt like we were in a multiverse.

• some characters are randomly given importance without establishing their purpose or motive eg: who is shankari devi, why does she exist, why is she so annoying were all questions left unanswered

2. Worst casting ever

• ranked in order from worst to best (don't know all the actors' names so will alternate between the actor and the character)
• shankari devi (complete misfit as the mistress)
• taher raj bhasin (bad mustache, bad haircut, not enough gravitas for the role). He is much much better than this and should stay away from such roles.

• bangali - terrible casting, bad hairstyle
• vinay Pathak - wasted in the wrong role
• Arjun's wife - poor casting, bad acting
• sanjana - HAS to go to an acting school

3. Outdated dialogues, terrible direction

• Milan Lutharia ji - this is not 2005 and this is not a single screen movie. Please adapt or you won't be relevant any more.

• the background score was the same as once upon a time in mumbai - at least try to make something new/different
• the dialogues were from the 80s with common recurrence of absolutely obsolete and overused statements from jeetendra movies.

Very disappointed with the execution. Expected better from Milan - as he is the OG of this genre. He could learn a thing or two from the creators of Bombay meri Jaan.

Blockbuster flop

[mgibbons-05078 · 10/10 · 15 October 2023]

Anyone who have a lot of time to waste and a good internet connection along with Disney hot star subscription Go for it man this is the key.

Accidentally I started watching it with my wife and constantly it was giving me a hint to stop it but as I was having some free time to binge I decided to go for the last stage of this web series and concluded that the writer was not paid and asked to write the story under gunpoint or else I don't find any reason that it could be this worst I had given this as 10 rating just to ensure that human kind must feel the trauma that I am going through right now only those intellectuals who will read this before watching will be able to escape or else they will definitely read it afterwards HA HA HA.

It could have been great

[lovemuvies · 6/10 · 21 October 2023]

This series tries to do everything on a grand scale - larger than life characters, twists, sets, fights. But plot is badly woven such that characters or events do not get developed properly. A shame because with more careful handling it could have been great. In some episodes characters ask riddles to each other that look pointless. Some characters are projected as if they have grand plans, but nothing substantial comes out of them. Love stories or other relationships do not get enough opportunities to develop in a strong way. Technical aspects like camerawork, background music etc are good but not enough to elevate the whole drama.

A Disappointing Tale - Why 'This Series' Fails to Deliver

[harshtak-12033 · 1/10 · 14 October 2023]

Up till the 9th episode, I watched this show, and I have to say that it is very terrible. There isn't a nice way to say it. The storytelling and direction are awful, and the concept is essentially nonexistent. How Hotstar chose to release this series is beyond me.

In a nutshell, the plot centers on a wealthy family in Lahore during the partition of India and Pakistan. The father and son manage to flee to Delhi even though the family experiences a horrible end. Over the years, the boy matures into a man and befriends a man who eventually becomes his closest friend. Arjun and Bangali eventually wind up working for a wealthy gun smuggler in Delhi. Despite their devotion, the owner ultimately abandons them. Arjun's popularity could endanger his hold on authority and lead to murderous attempts. In a strange turn of events, Arjun and Bangali succeed in getting away, defeat their former owner, Jagan, and take over Delhi.

Nine episodes make up the story, and it is a boring and tiresome voyage. Anyone with plenty of free time should consider skipping this series; it simply isn't worth your time.

Super

[tikikhan95 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

I have always been a fan of Milan Luthria's films he has shown a keen affinity for settings, creating distinctive environments that seamlessly blend with his densely woven plots and the charismatic, rustic characters that inhabit them. From his debut film KachcheDhaage set in Rajasthanto the cult classics like Taxi No 9211 and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. All his work is set against a significant backdrop...this time it is post partition Delhi...I have always been a fan of Milan Luthria's films he has shown a keen affinity for settings, creating distinctive environments that seamlessly blend with his densely woven plots and the charismatic, rustic characters that inhabit them. From his debut film KachcheDhaage set in Rajasthanto the cult classics like Taxi No 9211 and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. All his work is set against a significant backdrop...this time it is post partition Delhi...

Why why why?

[NitinnRana · 1/10 · 24 October 2023]

• Sultan of Delhi is a web series that fails to deliver on its promise of being a gritty and realistic portrayal of the underworld in the capital city of India. The show suffers from various flaws that make it a disappointing and frustrating watch. Some of the major flaws are:

• The story plot is full of clichés, inconsistencies, and illogical twists that make no sense. For example, the main character, Sultan, is shown to be a ruthless and powerful gangster who can kill anyone without hesitation, but he also has a soft spot for his family and friends, who often betray him or get him into trouble. The show also introduces many subplots and characters that are either irrelevant or unresolved by the end of the season. The show tries to create suspense and drama by adding unexpected twists, but they often contradict the established facts or the character motivations.

• The dialogue is cheesy, cringeworthy, and sometimes downright offensive. The show uses a lot of slang, curse words, and references to pop culture, but they sound unnatural and forced. The show also tries to be witty and humorous, but the jokes are either lame or inappropriate. The show also uses a lot of violence, sex, and nudity, but they are gratuitous and exploitative, rather than serving the story or the theme.

• The show is shot so poorly that it looks like a low-budget daily soap, with shaky camera work, poor lighting, and amateur editing. The show does not capture the essence or the atmosphere of Delhi, but rather shows generic and dull locations that could be anywhere. The show also uses a lot of slow-motion, zoom-in, and freeze-frame effects that are outdated and annoying. The show does not have a consistent or distinctive visual style, but rather switches between different genres and tones randomly.

• The music and score are pathetic, with generic and repetitive tunes that do not match the mood or the scene. The show uses a lot of songs from Bollywood and other sources, but they are either overused or misplaced. The show does not have an original or memorable theme song or soundtrack, but rather relies on borrowed or recycled music that does not enhance the emotion or the impact of the show.

• The casting and their performances are the worst part of the show, with actors who cannot act, emote, or deliver their lines convincingly. The show features some well-known and talented actors, but they are either wasted or miscast in roles that do not suit them or challenge them. The show also features some unknown and inexperienced actors, but they are either bland or annoying in roles that do not interest them or engage them. The show does not have any chemistry or charisma between the actors, but rather shows them as wooden or artificial.

• The hair and costumes are so poorly done that they look like they were bought from a roadside stall, with no regard for the period or the character. The show is set in the 1980s and 1990s, but it does not reflect the fashion or the culture of those times accurately or authentically. The show also does not differentiate between the characters' backgrounds or personalities through their outfits or accessories, but rather shows them as generic or stereotypical.

• In conclusion, Sultan of Delhi is a web series that had everything going for it: a big budget, a great showrunner and director, a best casting director, and a best cinematographer. But what went wrong? Why did everything look so forced and fake? Why did everything just fail? The answer is simple: the show lacked vision, creativity, and originality. It tried to copy other successful shows like Sacred Games or Mirzapur, but without understanding what made them work. It tried to be edgy and dark, but without any depth or substance. It tried to be entertaining and thrilling, but without any logic or coherence. It was a highly disappointing show that wasted its potential and its talent. It was a show that should have never been made.

Amazing

[ankitasarma-04992 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

Brilliant Performances and Great Storytelling. It gets you hooked. It is a brilliant story that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Tahir is a brilliant as the leading man. Milan Luthria never dissapoints. He is simply brilliant in every scene. Really enjoyable serial. The characters had real depth and the whole thing was quite entertaining. Brilliant brutal unflinching funny daring. Certainly a different way of storytelling which pulls no punches. An introduction to areas of modern and historic India that I wasn't aware of. Great performances, top quality production. Max points. What an outclass series, direction scriptActing Story every thing was Exceptional,only for those people can accept bitter reality.

Why ????

[sqmqtqrq · 1/10 · 17 October 2023]

Fancy fonts won't save the series. An absolute hogwash, with no character development or storyline.

Scenes at times seem as if they have been juxtaposed randomly.

Characters seem to be carrying the same expression through out the series.

An absolute disaster in direction and story.

Avoid at all cost, guns are modern in 1960 era, automatic pistols being used, the writers thought that let's make a series and who will notice , if Kolkatta has the new Howrah in background in 1960.

Dismal research. Sometimes I feel that people think the viewers to be naive who will not understand the series or notice anything.

Downmarket Gangster Drama

[sanjeevanwar · 3/10 · 15 October 2023]

Anwar Says: Web Series keeps on screaming through out nine episodes - story , story and the story . Milind Luthra, who has made all time hit The Dirty Picture , fond of making period films but here he has miserably failed . Gangster genre proves either in Satya way or Rana Naidu way, you can't choose the middle path.

Tahir Raj Bhashin as Arjun had all the opportunities to bring life in the character , but there was hardly any characterisation and the dialogues are so soapy. Mouni Roy and Anupriya Goenka never blossom . Vinay Pathak as Godfather looked more comic than gangster . Only the character of Nishant Dahiya as RP is impressive but when the narratives are unremarkable , one or two good performance would hardly save it.

End is predictable , let's hope Luthraji would bring new team of writers in the second season . 3 out of 10 from me .

#disneyhotstar #anwarsays #GangsterDrama #dosti #milindluthra #VinayPathak #mouniroy #webseries2023 #hopelessstory #downmarket #TahirRajBhasin.

Excellent acting

[golamsk5362882685 · 10/10 · 4 November 2023]

Outstanding Performances and Exceptional Storytelling. One of the key reasons I really liked Sultan of Delhi and don't mind giving it a high rating are the performances. The actors have really given it their all.....Tahir Raj Bhasin's portrayl of Arjun Bhatia is the centre piece of this show.... It immediately draws you in, keeping you on the edge of your seat with its brilliance. Even the child actor playing Arjun in the first episode has the right amount of innocence, angst and intensity. This seems to be a Milan Luthria hallmark - where actors like Ajay Devgn and Vidya Balan too have delivered career best performances with him at the helm. Even the actor playing Bangali keeps you on your toes with unpredictable touches.... shining brightly in every scene. Anupriya Goenka as Shankari is badass.....its a no hold barred performance. The storytelling is brilliant, characterized by its unflinching brutality, humor, and daring narrative. It takes a unique approach that doesn't hold back, providing an eye-opening exploration of both modern and historic facets of India that may be unfamiliar to many. The performances are outstanding, and the production quality is top-notch.

One of the worst web series ever made

[friendsharath · 2/10 · 20 October 2023]

When Milan Luthria gets it right, he makes good movies like Once upon a time in Mumbai & Kacchhe Dhaage. When he gets it wrong, he makes very bad movies like Tadap and Once Upon a time in Mumbai again.

Unfortunately, this falls into the wrong category. One of the worst web series ever made along with Inspector Avinash.

The lead actor Tahir Raj Bhasin doesn't have the gravitas required to pull off this role.

The secondary lead Bangali also doesn't perform well. The chemistry between these 2 leads is lacking. It is tough to think even of a single actor who has played his role well. Even vinay pathak hams and is totally miscast in this role.

Somehow every scene looks and plays out like a spoof. I am very disappointed by this web series :(

Superb performance

[Dishasarmha2335y46 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

However, as I delved into the show, my initial concerns were pleasantly dispelled. Adapting a dynamic story like Sultan of Delhi requires both audacity and skill. The task demands the ability to faithfully capture the essence of the historical period and the intricacies of the narrative, which includes stellar writing and development. In this endeavor, the creators have admirably succeeded in crafting a world that not only does justice to the book but also pays homage to the authors imagination. Delhi, a city craving compelling crime dramas, has finally received its share of riveting storytelling, thanks to these talented individuals. It is my hope that this franchise will continue to flourish and captivate its audience in the future.

Disappointing and boring

[sandhu6592 · 1/10 · 1 November 2023]

I watched this web series hoping for a thrilling and engaging story of crime and power, but I was let down by the poor direction, acting, and writing. The series is based on a book by Arnab Ray,but it fails to capture the essence and depth of the characters and the plot. The series is set in Delhi from the 1950s to the 1980s, but it does not show the historical and cultural aspects of the city or the era. The series is supposed to be about the rise and fall of Arjun Bhatia, a refugee who becomes a powerful gangster, but it does not show his motivations, challenges, or conflicts. The series is full of clichés, stereotypes, and unrealistic scenarios that make it hard to relate to or care about any of the characters. The series is also slow-paced, repetitive, and predictable, making it boring and tedious to watch. The series has a talented cast of actors, but they are wasted by the weak script and direction. The series also has poor production values, editing, and cinematography that make it boring.

The series also has poor production values, editing, and cinematography that make it look cheap and amateurish. The series is a huge disappointment for anyone who likes crime dramas or historical fiction. It is a waste of time and money. I do not recommend it at all.

Very excited

[Abdullahsk589779 · 10/10 · 4 November 2023]

I have not read the book and also the trailer seemed too violent for me but something in Sultan of Delhi stays with you well after you have stopped watching it. I saw the series at one go, sacrificed a full night but its like an unputdownable book. Very easy to watch with a very high what next factor. Kudos to the producers for exceptional attention to detail in costumes, set design, and cinematography. The recreation of the 1960s era and the depiction of people leading prosperous, enjoyable lives provide a refreshing contrast to the typical gangster dramas set in Mumbai, known for their excessive violence and profanity. Mouni Roy delivers an impressive performance, and her dance sequence is undoubtedly a standout moment, even if one might wish for a more substantial role for her. Sultan of Delhi offers a compelling and unique viewing experience....one we haven't seen on Indian OTT platforms before....

Worth ending!

[rajatsingh-53381 · 2/10 · 31 October 2023]

The climax is very weak, rushed, and doesn't even have a good conclusion, some direction logics are not making any sense and there are action sequence which lack detailing and some background. It ends on a horrible sense of direction..

Start was looking quite promising but I believe that the makers were trying to have an open ending. But it seemed more like an abrupt ending. When the show ends especially last 2 episodes, it feels incomplete. As if someone tore the script, and there was no backup and time to write a better ending. Also there are so many missing links and detailing. I hope will get some new good series to watch, so that will not end up watching these!

Terrible casting

[shaizyk · 1/10 · 17 October 2023]

One of the boring and annoying series of all time. The worst script I have ever seen in this genre. One of the most glaring issues with this web series is the shallowness of its characters. While character development is crucial for any engaging story, "Disastrous Drama" seems to have missed the memo entirely. The protagonists are nothing more than one-dimensional caricatures of clichéd stereotypes. The hero is the brooding bad boy with no discernible motivation, the heroine is the "girl next door" with no agency of her own, and the supporting cast might as well be cardboard cutouts. The lack of depth and complexity in the characters makes it nearly impossible to invest emotionally in their journeys.

Performance is really good

[kumaripriya-48932 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

The director of "Sultan of Delhi has left an indelible mark on the series, showcasing an exceptional ability to combine historical aesthetics with the gritty world of gangsters. Their meticulous attention to detail, skillful handling of character dynamics, and ability to navigate an intricate plot demonstrate their directorial prowess. By tackling moral ambiguity and breathing life into characters relationships, the director has elevated the series beyond the conventional crime drama "Sultan of Delhi' is a testament to their vision and talent, and it stands as a must watch for those who appreciate the fusion of history and crime fiction in a morally complex setting. The director's work is a masterstroke in crafting a gritty gangster saga that lingers in the minds of the audience long after the final credits roll.

Lost in Delhi: A Disappointing Web Series Journey

[unnecessarymail · 2/10 · 14 October 2023]

"Sultan Of Delhi" is a web series that leaves much to be desired. While there are web series that are well-crafted, thoughtfully executed, and capable of leaving a lasting impact, "Sultan Of Delhi" appears to fall short in several critical aspects.

One of the most glaring issues with this series is its lack of originality. It seems to borrow elements from other successful series, attempting to cobble together a storyline that feels contrived rather than authentic. The absence of a clear vision for the show is evident, and this lack of direction is a significant detriment to the overall experience.

The quality of the dialogues is a key letdown. Dialogue serves as the backbone of any narrative, and in the case of "Sultan Of Delhi," it falls short of delivering meaningful and impactful exchanges. This failure to impress with words and conversations only compounds the disappointment.

Furthermore, the pacing of the series leaves much to be desired. Despite the episodes being approximately 30 minutes in length, they often feel unnecessarily stretched and, at times, devoid of meaningful content. This can lead to a sense of tedium and a lack of engagement on the part of the viewer.

One of the critical aspects of any narrative is its ability to surprise and intrigue the audience. Unfortunately, "Sultan Of Delhi" fails to deliver any plot twists that are unexpected or captivating. The storyline feels predictable, and the absence of compelling surprises diminishes the overall enjoyment of the series.

In terms of performances, "Sultan Of Delhi" doesn't fare much better. The acting appears to be below average, failing to breathe life into the characters or elicit genuine emotions from the audience. This further contributes to the sense of disappointment and disillusionment.

The direction and screenplay of the series also fall short of expectations. The narrative lacks a coherent and well-defined structure, making it challenging for viewers to become fully immersed in the story.

In summary, "Sultan Of Delhi" is a web series that, unfortunately, falls far from the mark. Its lack of originality, poor dialogues, sluggish pacing, predictable plot, below-average performances, and inadequate direction and screenplay make it a regrettable viewing experience. For those seeking engaging and thought-provoking content, this series is, regrettably, a complete waste of time.

Most watch

[Tafajulsk5796123 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

Sultan of Delhi is good watch! It intricately weaves a captivating narrative that immerses viewers in the complex web of crime and power in the heart of India's capital. ArjunBhatia's transformation from a young refugee to a formidable crime boss is a remarkable journey, and it serves as the linchpin of the series, pulling you deeper into the story with each passing episode. The show is a compelling exploration of the dynamics between characters and the ever-shifting power plays within the criminal underworld. The creators of the show have skillfully developed the characters to be multi-dimensional and morally complex, making the audience question their choices and motives. The show does not shy away from showcasing the grit and brutality of the world it portrays, which adds to its authenticity and intensity. The intense drama and suspense in the series make it a true edge-of-your-seat experience.

Poor plotting and ending is too bad

[banerjeeagnidhra · 1/10 · 16 October 2023]

Poor storyline. Its like the director wants to make something but ultimately ends up to something else. Plotted the webseries very poorly. Initially its going well but the ending ends everything. Poor ending. Seriously speaking can't live with the expectations.

The starting was really good. You will get the vibes of that time when people are mass killed in India-Pak partition. The story was going really good until episode 9. There was thrill, drama and action. Acting is very good from all actors.

But the director has done a huge mistake in last episode. I.e episonde 9.

I mean the ending is so poor that all good work is finished in just that one episode..

The story becomes worthless in just one episode... The director should have given a second thought before ending it in that way.

Wonderful web series

[Yanushsk569968788 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

Sultan of Delhi appears to cater to drama enthusiasts, as director Milan Luthria masterfully constructs a realm of power struggles between have's and have nots. Luthria delves into the intricacies of human politics, a theme often skillfully explored in traditional Hindi cinema. It feels like a tribute to the classic filmmaking style of yesteryears. The episodes hold the promise of an unfolding plot, where the ultimate outcome hinges on how the characters evolve and what paths to redemption they traverse. Some great character changes include that of Arjun Bhatia's counterpart RP Singh a boy-turned-shrewd tactician. His character arc is not only compelling, but one tends to like him for his motivations. This sets the show apart as the characters in negative roles have well-constructed backstories. While one roots for Arjun and Bangall, one cannot forgo the presence of strong antagonists.

Good story, but ....

[Innacana · 5/10 · 19 January 2024]

Story and screenplay is good. Could have been a better show if it wasn't for the protagonist. Everyone acted well, except him. The Arjun guy almost never have a normal expression on his face. Always sort of a smirk as if he is a very wise guy (just look at his forehead and jaw), almost like a wannabe SRK. Truthfully told, none of his wins/actions/triumph were his cleverness but sheer luck and his st*pid decisions. What's up with that taking off clothes with no logic?

The story tried to show him as a very serious guy, talks less and principled, but he actually talks a lot unnecessarily and immoral/unjust. His dialogues are awful too. He actually harmed and k*lled everyone around him for no reason. His father, friend, girlfriend, wife, boss, colleague, everyone. Did he do all of these entire episodes just to snag friend's wife??

The show could have been a 9* if they worked more on the protagonist character and hired someone else to act.

And by the way, very odd ending !